Volunteers are an integral part of our hospice program and there are countless ways to volunteer. We have volunteers that visit with patients in order to provide companionship or provide the caregiver much needed respite; create music playlists for those suffering from dementia; light housework; walk the dog; clerical work in the office like scrap booking, sending bereavement mailers, running errands, and celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with patients, just to name a few. Volunteers often connect with patients on a deep, personal level, increasing quality of life.
All volunteers complete a training in order to,
- Understand the hospice philosophy
- Understand the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the patients and families.
- Communicate with patients and families. Currently, on our volunteer team, we have a harpist, flautist, realtor, dog therapist, a dog companion, university students, homemakers and retirees. Some of our volunteers are medical professions students and are here to gain knowledge and experience. Encompass is a preceptor for Idaho State University. Join us for the most fulfilling volunteer work you will ever experience.
- Shadowing nurses, social workers, and chaplains is part of the training program. There is also a quarterly in-service for continuing education.
- If you were to ask a hospice volunteer what it is like to give their time to provide companionship and support for a person on hospice and their family. Volunteers would tell you being a hospice volunteer is about living life to its fullest. It is an honor to be a part of someone's final stages of this life. It is most rewarding to know that you brought a measure of quality to that life.
- Join us for the most fulfilling volunteer work you will ever experience.
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Maynard Volunteer Coordinator
208-220-2669
Jennifer.Maynard@ehab.com